Witness: I jumped out of my car and tried to do CPR

Police say a retired police lieutenant from the Forest Park Police Department on a motorcycle was struck while leading a funeral procession in the West End. The incident happened on West Liberty and Lockhurst Lane shortly before 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

“My heart hasn’t stopped racing since I heard, even before I knew it was George,” Christopher Smith, who is friends with Brooks, said. “It’s probably one of the craziest jobs I’ve ever had, to be honest. It’s really safe if the motoring public just shows a little patience and pays a little attention.”

Witnesses said the Brooks was thrown 10 to 12 feet in the air before landing in the street.

A witness recalled the moments leading up to the crash.

"Oh my God, it just broke my heart. I saw it, he was next to me (and) he had his sirens on, car creeping out, he could not stop, he couldn't stop and he went right into the car. (His) motorcycle dropped and flew all the way down the road. I jumped out of the car and ran and tried to do CPR," witness Barbara Taylor said.

Taylor said the mourners in the funeral procession rushed to help the officer after the crash.

"The impact was so great, oh my gosh, it was so great, I just don't know don't know, we're just going to pray for him," Taylor said.

"The young man just didn't have no patience, everybody had their emergency lights on they've got the flags on the car. All these young people have to do is wait. It only takes a split second to make a mistake and it might have cost this man his life," witness Nate Tubbs said.

Police said in regards to charges against the driver, it will be turned over to the prosecutor's office.

Authorities said Brooks was wearing his helmet and the driver was wearing a seat belt.

Excessive speed and impairment are not believed to be factors in this crash.

Smith said Brooks is a family man with kids who ride motorcycles too. He said Brooks always has a smile for everyone.

“Any prayers that can go out to the family because I’m sure this has devastated his family,” Smith said. “No matter what happened in traffic or whatever, if we stopped, he was always just a bright smiled and an easygoing guy.”